Racing track apparatus having a raised guiding portion



Feb. 8, 1966 A. J. MAURY 3,233,363

RACING TRACK APPARATUS HAVING A RAISED GUIDING PORTION Filed Sept. 5, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet l ANDRE J. MAURY Fl 4 INVENTOR.

Feb. 8, 1966 J MAURY 3,233,363

RACING TRACK APPARATUS HAVING A RAISED GUIDING PORTION Filed Sept. 5, 1962 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 7

VIII/IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII W 11 ANDRE J. MAURY IN VEN TOR.

FIG. 6

Feb. 8, 1966 A. J. MAU RY 3,233,363

RACING TRACK APPARATUS HAVING A RAISED GUIDING PORTION Filed Sept. 5, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 7 D l; 7.9 FIG. II

uP fl FIG- 12 ANDRE J. MAURY IN VEN TOR.

United States Patent 3,233,363 RACING TRACK APPARATUS HAVING A RAISED GUIDING PORTION Andr J. Maury, Casablanca, Morocco, assignor to Claude Guillemot, Neuilly, France, and Georges Maury, Ruerl Malmaison (Seine-et-Oise), France Filed Sept. 5, 1962, Ser. No. 221,549 Claims. (Cl. 46243) This invention relates to a toy and more particularly to apparatus arranged to cause amusement by the production of a racing contest.

In the past, racing games have been used in which the movement of the vehicles over the game board has been produced by the players moving the pieces in accordance with the fall of cards or dice. Also, such races have been commonly manufactured in which the motion of the vehicle has been produced by using a small motor in each vehicle. In the case of the carddictated game, the players lose interest because of the fact that the vehicles are not self-propelled. On the other hand, those vehicles having individual motors are quite expensive. These and other difliculties experienced with the prior art devices have been obviated in a novel manner by the present invention.

It is, therefore, an outstanding object of the present invention to provide a toy in which vehicles move over a racetrack without assistance from the players and without the use of expensive individual motors in the vehicles.

Another object of this invention is the provision of a vehicle racing game in which the vehicles are self-propelled but which is relatively inexpensive in construction.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of a racetrack for small model vehicles in which the vehicles are caused to move up and down inclines in the track.

It is another object of the instant invention to provide a racetrack in which the vehicles are self-propelled and in which the track may take the form of intricate threedimensional shapes.

With these and other objects in view, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention resides in the combination of parts set forth in the specification and covered by the claims appended hereto.

The character of the invention, however, may be best understood by reference to certain of its structural forms, as illustrated by the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a portion of a toy embodying the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line IIII of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a vertical elevational view of another embodiment of the toy;

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view of the invention taken on the line IV-IV of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a vertical elevational view partly in section of a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view of a still further embodiment of the invention taken on the line VI-VI of FIG. 7;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a portion of the toy;

FIG. 8 is an elevational view of part of a racetrack in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 9 is a plan, generally-schematic view of a racetrack following the teachings of the invention;

FIG. 10 is an elevational view of the racetrack shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a still further form of the toy of the invention;

FIG. 12 is an elevational view of the racetrack shown in FIG. 11;

Patented Feb. 8, 1966 FIG. 13 is a plan view of another racetrack in accordance with the teachings of the invention; and

FIG. 14 is an elevational view of the track shown in FIG. 13.

Referring to FIG. 1, it can be seen that an upwardlyinclined portion 10 of the toy consists of a platform 11 which is connected to a base 12 by resilient connecting members 13 and 14. The platform 11 is provided with a flat upper surface 15 on which rests race members such as model automobiles 16, 17, and 18. Mounted on the base 12 is an electromagnet 19 and mounted on the lower surface of the platform 11 is a metallic armature 21. The inclination of the line of action of the electromagnet 19 and the armature 21 has a substantial component of movement parallel to the surface 15 of the platform. The platform, of course, is capable of movement in the direction of the upper surface 15 because of the resilient mounting provided by the connecting members 13 and 14.

In FIG. 2 it can be seen that the automobile 16 consists of a body 22 from which extend ground-engaging elements such as wheels 23 and 24. There would, normally, of course, be four wheels; the body 22 is provided with a downwardly-extending abutment which contacts and rests on a rail 25 extending upwardly from the upper surface 15 of the platform 11. When so mounted, the Wheels 23 and 24 normally do not touch the surface 15. If a racing member of another kind (such as a horse) were provided, such a member would also have a body which would rest on a rail and ground-engaging elements, such as legs which would extend downwardly on either side of the rail but would normally not contact the upper surface 15.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show a slightly revised version of the upwardly-inclined portion. In this case, an upwardlyinclined portion 26 is provided with a platform 27 which is mounted on a base by means of resilient connecting members 29, 31, 32, and 33, so that the platform 27 is capable of reciprocating movement with a substantial component in the plane of an upper surface of the platform 27. An electromagnetic actuator 34 extends between the base and the platform 27 to provide reciprocations having a substantial component in the plane of the upper surface. The base 27 is mounted on rubber mounting members 35 and 36 by which it is supported on a foundation or floor. As is evident in FIG. 4, the platform 27 is T-shaped and the arm of the T which is formed with the surface 15 is provided with raised ridges 37 and 38 at the outer edges and with a central rail 39.

In FIG. 5 can be seen another version of the upward.- ly-inclined portion consisting of a platform 41 comprising a main tubular body 42 around which extends a spiral 43 having an upper surface 44. The platform 41 is connected to a base 45 by flexible connecting members 46 and 47 and the base 45 is provided with a rubber ring 48 by which it is mounted on the floor. An electromagnet 49 is mounted on the base 45 and is directed upwardly toward an armature 51 mounted on the bottom central portion of the platform 41. The energization of the electromagnet 49 draws the armature 51 and the platform 41 downwardly and because of the flexible nature of the connecting members 46 and 47 the platform is subjected to a rotating motion about its vertical axis.

In FIGS. 6 and 7 are shown a fiat portion of the track in which the path of the vehicle is helical. It consists of a platform 52 having a fiat upper surface 54 and a central tubular hub 54'. The platform is connected to a base 55 by resilient connecting members 56 land 57. An electromagnet 58 is mounted on the base 55 under the platform 52 and the platform is provided with a downwardly-extending armature 59. The armature and the electromagnet are provided with their actuating axis horizont al and spaced from the vertical axis of the hub 54 so that energization of the electromagnet produces a..-torsional motion of the platform. Now, mounted on the platform are two spiral rails 61 and 62 each of which extends inwardly from the periphery of the circular platform 52 to a point close to the hub 54 in a curve similar to an Archimedcan spiral. An upstanding ridge 63.extends between the rails 61 and 62, while a similar ridge 64 extends outside the rail 61 and a ridge 65 extends inside the rail 62.

Referring to FIG. 8, it is evident that the track consists of various combinations of downwardly-inclined portions, upwardly-inclined portions, and. flat portions. An upwardly-inclined portion 26 of the type described in connection with FIGSQ3 and 4 is shown in use in conjunction with a downwardly-extending portion 66 which is provided with a generally flat upper surface 67, there being ridges at either side to keep the vehicle from leaving the track. The upwardly-extending portion 26 and the downwardly-extending portion 66 are both mounted on the same foundation or floor 68. Only a slight gap exists between their adjacent portions, so that the vehicle can pass between them with a minimum of disruption to its forward movement.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show onelayout of elements providing a track 69 consisting of a straight downwardly-inclined portion '71 joined by a semi-circular downwardly-extending portion 72 to another straight downwardly-extending portion 73. The inlet end of the portion 71 is connected to the top of an upwardly-extending portion '74 which is constructed in a manner similar to the upwardly-extend ing portion 41 shown in FIG. 5, while the outlet end of the portion 73 is connected to the bottom of the upwardly-extending portion 74. Usually, a plurality of tracks would be provided, so that a series of vehicles may move side-by-side over this pathway. started at the top of the portion 71, would pass downwardly over it, around the portion 72, down the portion 73- to the bottom of the upwardly-extending portion 74; at this time the vibrating action ofthe electromagnetic actuator would cause it to move around the helical pathway to the top again. A finish line could be provided or the amusement feature of the toy might reside in simply watching the vehicle or vehicles traverse this path.

In FIGS. 11 and 12 are shown a slightly different layout of track '75. A straight upwardly-inclined portion 76 (similar to that shown in FIG. 1) is connected to a downwardly-extending portion which is curved and which leads to a flat portion 77, making use of the device shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. From the hub of such a device extends ran upwardly-extending portion '78 which is slightly curved in the beginning and leads to a straight portion which is connected by a semi-circular downwardly-extending portion 79 leading to the beginning of the original straight upwardly-extending portion 76.

In FIGS. 13 and 14 is shown another configuration providing a track 81 having two inter-related. loops 32 and 83. The loop 82 consists of a straight upwardlyextending portion 84 leading to a semi-circular downwardly-extending portion 85 which leads to a straight upwardly-extending portion 86 which is connected to the portion 84 by a semi-circular downwardly-extending portion 87. The loop 83 consists of a helical upwardly-extend.- ing portion 88 (similar to that shown in FIG. the upper end of which is connected by a downwardly-extending portion 89 to a downwardly-extending loop 91 whose outlet end underlies its inwardly-arriving end. The loop 91 is connected to an upwardly-extending portion 92 which is straight and which, incidentally, lies behind the upwardly-extending portion 86 in FIG. 14 which arrives at the bottom of the upwardly-extending portion 38. It

should be noted that the downwardly-extending portion 55 of the loop 82 passes over the outlet of the downwardly-extending loop 91 and under the arrival end of that loop.

A vehicle would be.

It will be understood. that, in the operation of the invention, all vibrators will be operating continuously so that a model automobile will glide under the action of gravity down any of the downwardly-inclined portions and will climb the upwardly-inclined portions because of the efiect of the vibnatory movement in the well-known manner. On the flat portions the vibratory action is used also on portions of the track similar to that shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The result is a toy in which the vehicles move along the tracks seemingly under their own power. There is no consumption of fuel nor commutators to bring electricity to electric motors in the individual vehicles and. the construction is very inexpensive. Furthermore, by providing a number of the various elements they can be combined in several different ways, simply resting on the floor with the inlet end of one portion adjacent the. outlet end of another portion to provide a continuous track, or, if desired, a discontinuous track. with.

a finish line.

It is obvious that minor changes may be made in the form and construction of the invention without departing from the materialspirit thereof. It is not, however, desired to confine the invention to the exact form herein shown and described, but it is desired to include all such as. properly come within the scope claimed.

The invention having been thus described, what is claimed as new and desired to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A top, comprising (a) a base having a substantially continuous racetrack,

(b) a model race member having a body and laterally-spaced ground-contacting elements, the track having a downwardly-inclined non-vibrating portion and an upwardly-inclined portion, and

(c) means subjecting the upwardly-inclined portion to vibrations, the ground-contacting elements supporting the race member as it progresses over the downwardiy-extending portion, the upwardly-extending portion being provided with a raised continuous rail, thesaid rail having an upper edge. and side surfaces extending downwardly therefrom, the rail in the upwardly-extending portion supporting the race member with the body of the race member contacting the said upper edge of therail and with the groundengaging elements free of the track, the sides of the rail contacting inner surfaces of the ground-contacting elements to guide the race member against undue lateral movement.

2. A toy, as recited in claim 1, the upwardly-inclined portion consisting of a platform having a flat upper surface, the platform being resiliently mounted for substantial movement in the plane of the surface, and the said means for vibrating comprising an electro-magnetic actuator operative on the platform in a direction having a substantial component. in the said plane.

3. A toy, as recited in claim 1, the upwardly-extending portion consisting of a platform having a helical upper surface extending about a vertical axis, the platform being resiliently mounted for substantial rotative movement about the said axis, and the said means for vibrating comprising an electro-magnetic actuator operative on the platform in a direction bringing about such rotative movement.

4. A toy, as recited in claim 1, the track comprising a platform having a fiat upper surface having a raised rail in the form of a spiral about a vertical axis, the platform being resiliently mounted for substantial rotary reciprocatory movement about the said axis, and the said means for vibrating comprising an electro-magnetic actuator operative on the platform in a direction bringing about such rotative movement.

5. A toy, comprising (a) an elongated track portion,

7 (b) a rail having a continuous upwardly-directed surface and side edges extending along the track,

(c) a race member having a body which rests on the upwardly-directed surface of the rail and freely rotatable wheels which extend downwardly from the body on either side of the rail and do not contact the track, and

(d) means bringing about vibration of the track to cause the race member to progress along the rail, the rail guiding the race member by occasional contact of the side edges with the inner surfaces of the wheels.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 6 Schrader 46216 X Smith 198220 Dilts 19833.1 Modica et a1 27386 Wiley 4643 X FOREIGN PATENTS Great Britain. Great Britain.

Examiners. 

1. A TOP, COMPRISING (A) A BASE HAVING A SUBSTANTIALLY CONTINUOUS RACETRACK, (B) A MODEL RACE MEMBER HAVING A BODY AND LATERALLY-SPACED GROUND-CONTACTING ELEMENTS, THE TRACK HAVING A DOWNWARDLY-INCLUDING NON-VIBRATING PORTION AND AN UPWARDLY-INCLINED PORTION, AND (C) MEANS SUBJECTING THE THE UPWARDLY-INCLINED PORTION TO VIBRATION, THE GROUND-CONTACTING ELEMENTS SUPPORTING THE RACE MEMBER AS IT PROGRESSES OVER THE DOWNWARDLY-EXTENDING PORTION, THE UPWARDLY-EXTENDING PORTION BEING PROVIDED WITH A RAISED CONTINUOUS RAIL, THE SAID RAIL HAVING AN UPPER EDGE AND SIDE SURFACES EXTENDING DOWNWARDLY THEREFROM THE RAIL IN THE UPWARDLY-EXTENDING PORTION SUPPORTING THE RACE MEMBER WITH THE BODY OF THE RACE MEMBER CONTACTING THE SAID UPPER EDGE OF THE RAIL AND WITH THE GROUND, ENGAGING ELEMENTS FREE OF THE TRACK, THE SIDES OF THE RAIL CONTACTING INNER SURFACES OF THE GROUND-CONTACTING ELEMENTS OF GUIDE THE RACE MEMBER AGAINST UNDUE LATERAL MOVEMENT. 